U.S. patent application number 11/832366 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-24 for protective eyewear.
This patent application is currently assigned to STX, LLC. Invention is credited to Helen M. Hahn, Dale W. Kohler.
Application Number | 20080016600 11/832366 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36572480 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080016600 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hahn; Helen M. ; et
al. |
January 24, 2008 |
Protective Eyewear
Abstract
A protective eyewear apparatus including a base substantially
oval in shape, an upper bar connected to the base, a lower bar
connected to the base, and a main support bar connected to the
upper bar and the lower bar. Another embodiment includes two
eyepieces attached by a flexible bridge member, in which an
eyepiece comprises a base generally oval in shape and defining an
opening, and an upper and lower bar spanning the opening and
connected to the base.
Inventors: |
Hahn; Helen M.;
(Catonsville, MD) ; Kohler; Dale W.; (Hunt Valley,
MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PAUL, HASTINGS, JANOFSKY & WALKER LLP
875 15th Street, NW
Washington
DC
20005
US
|
Assignee: |
STX, LLC
|
Family ID: |
36572480 |
Appl. No.: |
11/832366 |
Filed: |
August 1, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11001139 |
Dec 2, 2004 |
7260854 |
|
|
11832366 |
Aug 1, 2007 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 9/02 20130101; A42B
3/20 20130101; A63B 71/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/015 |
International
Class: |
A61F 9/00 20060101
A61F009/00 |
Claims
1. A protective eyewear apparatus comprising: a forehead member
having a center portion, a first strap portion adjacent to the
center portion, and a second strap portion adjacent to the center
portion and on a side of the center portion opposite to the first
strap portion; a cheek member having a first end connected to the
forehead member approximately between the first strap portion and
the center portion, and a second end connected to the forehead
member approximately between the second strap portion and the
center portion, the cheek member spaced apart from the forehead
member to define a base; an upper bar extending between the
forehead member and the cheek member, the upper bar having a first
end connected to the cheek member and a second end connected to the
cheek member; a lower bar extending between the forehead member and
the cheek member, the lower bar having a first end connected to the
cheek member and a second end connected to the cheek member, the
upper bar disposed closer to the forehead member than the lower
bar; and a main support bar connected to the cheek member, the
upper bar, the lower bar, and the center portion of the forehead
member, the main support bar being generally vertical when viewing
the protective eyewear apparatus from a front view worn on a user's
face.
2. The protective eyewear apparatus of claim 1, farther comprising
a compressible layer on the forehead member, the compressible layer
defining a perspiration gutter.
3. The protective eyewear apparatus of claim 2, the perspiration
gutter comprising a concave channel sloping down starting from an
area proximate the main support bar when the protective eyewear
apparatus is worn by a user.
4. The protective eyewear apparatus of claim 2, the compressible
layer defining a perspiration gutter at an area of the compressible
layer intended to contact a user's temple.
5. The protective eyewear apparatus of claim 2, the compressible
layer having a textured surface, the textured surface comprising
raised portions adapted to contact a user's skin and depressed
portions adapted to hold perspiration.
6. The protective eyewear apparatus of claim 5, the textured
surface comprising grooves.
7. The protective eyewear apparatus of claim 2, the compressible
layer comprising one of foam and elastomer.
8. The protective eyewear apparatus of claim 1, further comprising
a compressible layer on the cheek member, the compressible layer
defining a perspiration gutter that slopes down in a direction away
from the main support bar.
9. The protective eyewear apparatus of claim 1, the forehead member
comprising a single continuous member.
10. The protective eyewear apparatus of claim 1, the first strap
portion further connected to the cheek member to provide a first
closed loop, and the second strap portion further connected to the
cheek member to provide a second closed loop.
11. The protective eyewear apparatus of claim 10, further
comprising a strap disposed through the first closed loop and the
second closed loop.
12. The protective eyewear apparatus of claim 1, the main support
bar, at the connection to the forehead member, being substantially
perpendicular to the forehead member.
13. The protective eyewear apparatus of claim 1, further
comprising: a first support bar connecting the forehead member and
the upper bar; a second support bar connecting the forehead member
and the upper bar, the first support bar and the second support bar
disposed on opposite sides of the main support bar; a third support
bar connecting the cheek member and the lower bar; and a fourth
support bar connecting the cheek member and the lower bar, the
third support bar and the fourth support bar disposed on opposite
sides of the main support bar.
14. The protective eyewear apparatus of claim 1, the protective
eyewear apparatus meeting ASTM F803-03 impact requirements.
15. The protective eyewear apparatus of claim 14, the forehead
member, the cheek member, the upper bar, the lower bar, and the
main support bar comprising approximately 3.8 mm thick 1008 solid
carbon steel wire.
16. The protective eyewear apparatus of claim 1, the upper bar, the
lower bar, and the cheek member defining an opening that extends
around a side of a head of a user wearing the protective eyewear
apparatus to enable unobstructed peripheral vision.
17. The protective eyewear apparatus of claim 1, further comprising
eyewear securing means attached to the first strap portion and the
second strap portion of the forehead member.
18. The protective eyewear apparatus of claim 17, the eyewear
securing means comprising an elastic strap.
19. The protective eyewear apparatus of claim 1, the forehead
member, the cheek member, the upper bar, the lower bar, and the
main support bar comprising composite resin.
20. The protective eyewear apparatus of claim 1, the center portion
of the forehead member comprising a center concave portion, a left
convex portion, and a right convex portion, when viewing the
protective eyewear apparatus from a front view worn on the user's
face, the cheek member comprising a center convex portion, a left
concave portion, and a right concave portion, when viewing the
protective eyewear apparatus from a front view worn on the user's
face, the center concave portion of the forehead member vertically
opposite to the center convex portion of the cheek member, the left
convex portion of the forehead member vertically opposite to the
left concave portion of the cheek member, and the right convex
portion of the forehead member vertically opposite to the right
concave portion of the cheek member.
21. The protective eyewear apparatus of claim 20, the forehead
member and the cheek member separated by a vertical distance that
decreases from a maximum measured between the left convex portion
of the forehead member and the left concave portion of the cheek
member to a minimum measured between the concave portion of the
forehead member and the convex portion of the cheek member, to
enable a wide field of vision.
22. A protective eyewear apparatus comprising: a forehead member
comprising a center concave portion, a left convex portion, and a
right convex portion, when viewing the protective eyewear apparatus
from a front view worn on a user's face; a cheek member comprising
a first end connected to the forehead member on a side of the left
convex portion of the forehead member opposite to the center
concave portion of the forehead member, and a second end connected
to the forehead member on a side of the right convex portion of the
forehead member opposite to the center concave portion of the
forehead member, the cheek member comprising a center convex
portion, a left concave portion, and a right concave portion, when
viewing the protective eyewear apparatus from a front view worn on
the user's face, the center concave portion of the forehead member
vertically opposite to the center convex portion of the cheek
member, the left convex portion of the forehead member vertically
opposite to the left concave portion of the cheek member, the right
convex portion of the forehead member vertically opposite to the
right concave portion of the cheek member, the forehead member and
the cheek member separated by a vertical distance that decreases
from a maximum measured between the left convex portion of the
forehead member and the left concave portion of the cheek member to
a minimum measured between the concave portion of the forehead
member and the convex portion of the cheek member, to enable a wide
field of vision; an upper bar extending between the forehead member
and the cheek member when viewing the protective eyewear apparatus
from a front view worn on the user's face, the upper bat having a
first end connected to the left concave portion of the cheek member
and a second end connected to the right concave portion of the
cheek member; a lower bar extending between the forehead member and
the cheek member when viewing the protective eyewear apparatus from
a front view worn on the user's face, the lower bar having a first
end connected to the left concave portion of the cheek member and a
second end connected to the right concave portion of the cheek
member, the lower bar being disposed closer to the cheek member
than the upper bar; and a main support bar connected to the upper
bar and the lower bar, the main support bar being generally
vertical when viewing the protective eyewear apparatus from a front
view worn on the user's face.
23. The protective eyewear apparatus of claim 22, the main support
bar having a first end connected to the concave portion of the
forehead member and a second end connected to the convex portion of
the cheek member.
24. The protective eyewear apparatus of claim 22, further
comprising a compressible layer disposed on the forehead member,
the compressible layer defining a gutter sloping down from the
center of the forehead member when the protective eyewear apparatus
is worn by the user.
25. The protective eyewear apparatus of claim 22, further
comprising a compressible layer disposed on the forehead member,
the compressible layer having a textured surface, the textured
surface comprising raised portions adapted to contact the user's
skin and depressed portions adapted to hold perspiration.
26. The protective eyewear apparatus of claim 25, the textured
surface comprising grooves.
27. The protective eyewear apparatus of claim 22, the forehead
member, the cheek member, the upper bar, the lower bar, and the
main support bar comprising composite resin.
28. The protective eyewear apparatus of claim 22, the cheek member
having a projecting portion that spans a user's nose such that the
protective eyewear apparatus does not contact the user's nose when
the protective eyewear apparatus is worn by the user.
29. The protective eyewear apparatus of claim 22, the forehead
member further comprising a first strap portion extending beyond a
point at which the first end of the cheek member connects to the
forehead member, a second strap portion extending beyond a second
point at which the second end of the cheek member connects to the
forehead member.
30. The protective eyewear apparatus of claim 29, the first strap
portion of the forehead member curved beyond the point at which the
first end of the cheek member connects to the forehead member and
attached to the cheek member to form a first closed loop, the
second strap portion of the forehead member curved beyond the point
at which the second end of the cheek member connects to the
forehead member and attached to the cheek member to form a second
closed loop.
31. The protective eyewear apparatus of claim 30, further
comprising a strap attached through the first closed loop and the
second closed loop.
32. The protective eyewear apparatus of claim 22, further
comprising a strap attached to the protective eyewear
apparatus.
33. The protective eyewear apparatus of claim 22, further
comprising: a first support bar connecting the forehead member and
the upper bar; a second support bar connecting the forehead member
and the upper bar, the first support bar and the second support bar
disposed on opposite sides of the main support bar; a third support
bar connecting the cheek member and the lower bar; a fourth support
bar connecting the cheek member and the lower bar, the third
support bar and the fourth support bar disposed on opposite sides
of the main support bar.
34. The protective eyewear apparatus of claim 22, the cheek member
having a projecting portion that spans a user's nose such that the
protective eyewear apparatus does not contact the user's nose when
the protective eyewear apparatus is worn by the user.
Description
[0001] This application is a division of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/001,139, filed Dec. 2, 2004, which is herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to protective
eyewear, and more particularly, to a protective eyewear apparatus
for sports such as women's lacrosse or field hockey.
[0004] 2. Background of the Invention
[0005] Protecting players from injury is a primary concern for any
sport. The most vulnerable part of the body is the head, face, and
eyes. Thus, protective face masks and eyewear are common in sports
such as baseball, hockey, football, racquetball, squash, and
lacrosse.
[0006] In lacrosse, the hard, heavy rubber lacrosse ball can cause
significant injury to unprotected eyes and faces. Most generally
accepted rules for competitive lacrosse require a lacrosse ball
made of solid rubber, between 73/4 and 8 inches in circumference
(about 21/2 inches in diameter), and between 5 and 51/4 ounces in
weight. Because the lacrosse balls are routinely thrown at high
speeds and with great force, the impact of the balls can cause
bruises, broken bones, and, in rare cases, even death. Indeed, in
addition to the long-standing requirement for helmets with face
masks in men's lacrosse, protective eyewear is now mandatory in
women's lacrosse.
[0007] In general, manufacturers are continually striving to
improve the impact resistance of protective eyewear. Improvements
in the strength of the equipment, however, often cause the
equipment to be too stiff, bulky, or obtrusive, and uncomfortable
to wear. This discomfort can cause a player to wear the equipment
improperly or not at all, thereby defeating any improvement in
protection.
[0008] Overall, protective eyewear should be comfortable to wear on
a continuous basis and should provide protection meeting the
applicable standards for its usage, such as ASTM F 803-03 impact
requirements. In providing comfort, the eyewear should be
lightweight, flexible, and comfortable against the skin, and should
provide adequate ventilation allowing the user to dissipate heat
and moisture.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] An embodiment of the present invention provides a protective
eyewear apparatus including a base, a protective cage, and a main
support bar. The base can be substantially oval in shape, such that
the base can surround the eyes of a user wearing the protective
eyewear apparatus. The protective cage can include an upper bar
connected to the base and a lower bar connected to the base. The
main support bar can be connected to the upper bar and the lower
bar. Optionally, the upper bar has no more than the three
connections to the base and the main support bar, and the lower bar
has no more than the three connections to the base and the main
support bar.
[0010] In a further embodiment, the base can include a generally
straight forehead member, and a generally arcuate cheek member
having a first end connected to the forehead member and a second
end connected to the forehead member to form the substantially oval
shape.
[0011] In another embodiment, the base can include a forehead
member and a cheek member. The cheek member can have a generally
arcuate shape and have a first and second end connected to the
forehead member. The protective cage can include an upper bar and a
lower bar. The upper bar has a first and second end connected to
the cheek base member. The lower bar has a first and second end
connected to the cheek base member. The upper bar is disposed
closer to the forehead base member than the lower bar. The main
support bar can be connected to the forehead base member, the upper
bar, the lower bar, and the cheek base member.
[0012] A further embodiment of the present invention includes a
compressible layer disposed on at least a portion of the base, for
example, in areas at which the base is intended to contact a user's
skin. In one implementation, a first compressible layer is disposed
on the forehead member and a second compressible layer is disposed
on the cheek member. The upper and lower bars of the protective
cage and the main support bar can also be covered with a
compressible layer.
[0013] A compressible layer can be, for example, a foam (e.g., open
or closed cell) or elastomer. An elastomer can be overmolded onto
the members of the eyewear apparatus. On the base members, the
compressible layer is in contact with the user's face, and provides
a compressible outer surface that conforms comfortably to the
contours of a user's face. In a further embodiment, the
compressible layer on the base members defines gutters that channel
perspiration away from the user's eyes, nose, and mouth. In another
embodiment, the compressible layer has a textured surface, with
raised portions of the textured surface contacting a user's skin
and depressed portions of the textured surface holding
perspiration.
[0014] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the
protective eyewear apparatus includes a layer of performance fabric
over the compressible layer. This performance fabric can be
disposed over the portions of the eyewear apparatus that contact
the user, such as locations at which the eyewear contacts the
user's cheeks.
[0015] In an embodiment of the invention, the frame has only one
vertical protective bar in the user's field of vision, located
substantially over the nose of the user. By minimizing vertical
members and strategically sizing, spacing, and locating the
protective bars, the frame of the present invention defines a wide
unobstructed viewing area that extends around the sides of the
user's eyes. This unobstructed area maximizes the user's field of
vision, in directions straight ahead, up and down, and
peripherally. At the same time, the protective bars of the frame
prevent a standard sized lacrosse ball from impacting a user's eye
and enable the present invention to comply with generally accepted
rules on the construction of protective eyewear, such as the
requirements of ASTM F803-03, the Protective Eyewear Certification
Council (PECC), U.S. Lacrosse, and the National Federation of High
Schools (NFHS).
[0016] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the
protective eyewear apparatus also includes four more support bars
interconnecting the base and the protective cage, in addition to
the main support bar.
[0017] An alternative embodiment of the present invention provides
a protective eyewear apparatus having two eyepieces attached by a
flexible bridge member. An eyepiece comprises a base generally oval
in shape and defining an opening, and an upper and lower bar
spanning the opening.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of an isometric view of an
exemplary protective eyewear apparatus, according to an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of an isometric view of the
frame of the protective eyewear apparatus shown in FIG. 1A,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a front view of the frame
shown in FIG. 1B.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a right side view of the
frame shown in FIG. 1B.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a left side view of the
frame shown in FIG. 1B.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a top view of the frame
shown in FIG. 1B.
[0024] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of
the frame shown in FIG. 2 along line A-A.
[0025] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of
the frame shown in FIG. 2 along line B-B.
[0026] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of
the frame shown in FIG. 2 along line C-C.
[0027] FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of
a compressible layer having a perspiration gutter taken along line
A-A in FIG. 1A, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0028] FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram of a portion of an exemplary
textured compressible layer, according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0029] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of another exemplary
protective eyewear apparatus, according to an alternative
embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an exploded view of one
eyepiece of the exemplary protective eyewear apparatus shown in
FIG. 10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of an isometric view of an
exemplary protective eyewear apparatus 100, according to an
embodiment of the present invention. As shown, eyewear apparatus
100 includes a base 102, a protective cage 104, compressible layers
106, and securing means 108. Base 102 and protective cage 104
provide the frame of eyewear apparatus 100 and can be made of
weldable and bendable steel, such as 3.8 mm 1008 solid carbon steel
wire, ASTM Standard, Section 03.05. Other suitable materials
include other metals, metal alloys, composite materials, and
synthetic materials. In this example, compressible layers 106 are
disposed on base 102 in areas at which eyewear apparatus 100
contacts the face of a user, along the inferior forehead and the
zygomatic arch (the temporal bone of the skull that forms the
prominence of the cheek). Compressible layers 106 could be separate
pieces located at each area of contact (e.g., forehead and
zygomatic arch) of base 106 or could be one continuous piece
covering base 106. Protective cage 104 is elevated away from the
face of the user and can optionally also be covered by a
compressible layer.
[0032] FIGS. 1B-8 are schematic diagrams that illustrate the base
102 and protective cage 104 in more detail, with the compressible
layers 106 not shown. As shown in these figures, base 102 includes
a cheek base member 120 and a forehead base member 122. Forehead
base member 122 can include a center portion 200 and two strap
portions 124 for attaching a securing means 108 (FIG. 1A) to the
eyewear apparatus 100. This securing means could be any well known
means for securing goggles, eyeglasses, or other eyewear apparatus
to a user's face, for example, an elastic strap.
[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, forehead base
member 122 and strap members 124 are formed from a single
continuous member and cheek base member 120 is formed from another
single continuous member, with the two continuous members attached
at points 128. In this embodiment, forehead base member 122 has a
center portion 200 with a first strap portion 124 on one side of
the center portion 200 and a second strap portion 124 on the
opposite side. Cheek base member 120 is generally arcuate in shape,
as shown best in FIG. 2, and connects to forehead base member 122
approximately between the center portion 200 and the first strap
portion 124 and between the center portion 200 and the second strap
portion 124. The strap portions 124 provide means for securing a
strap or other suitable securing means to the base 102 of the
protective eyewear apparatus 100. Optionally, the strap portions
124 are further attached to the cheek base member 120 at points 129
to form closed loops, e.g., on which a strap can be mounted.
[0034] In a further aspect of the present invention, cheek base
member 120 includes a projecting portion 502 as shown best in FIG.
5. This projecting portion 502 spans a user's nose such that the
protective eyewear apparatus does not contact the user's nose when
the protective eyewear apparatus is worn by the user. For this
reason, the projecting portion 502 does not need a compressible
layer and can remain uncovered as is shown in FIG. 1A. This aspect
makes the protective eyewear apparatus of the present invention
more comfortable to wear.
[0035] Protective cage 104 includes an upper bar 130 and a lower
bar 132, both of which are substantially horizontal and are
attached at their ends to cheek base member 120 at points 134 and
136, respectively. Upper bar 130 is disposed closer to forehead
base member 122 than lower bar 132. As shown by the side views of
FIGS. 3 and 4, bars 130 and 132 are positioned outward of base 102
relative to the user's face. In this maimer, bars 130 and 132
prevent a lacrosse ball from contacting a user's eye. Positioning
bars 130 and 132 farther out from base 102 (as opposed to closer
in) enables bars 130 and 132 to be spaced farther apart, therefore
presenting less of an obstruction to the user's view. In an
embodiment of the present invention, the opening defined by the
protective cage 104 prevents objects larger than 21/4 inches from
passing into the protective cage 104.
[0036] To further strengthen upper bar 130 and lower bar 132,
eyewear apparatus 100 can include a main support bar 140 that is
attached to both upper bar 130 and also lower bar 132. The main
support bar 140 can also be attached to forehead base member 122
and cheek base member 120. Main support bar 140 can be
substantially vertical and attach approximately to the centers of
forehead base member 122, upper bar 130, lower bar 132, and cheek
base member 120.
[0037] To provide additional support between base 102 and
protective cage 104, eyewear apparatus 100 can also include upper
support bars 142 that are connected to forehead base member 122 and
upper bar 130, and lower support bars 144 that are connected to
cheek base member 120 and lower bar 132.
[0038] Main support bar 140 can be located substantially over the
user's nose. Each of upper support bars 142 can be located
approximately the same distance from main support bar 140.
Likewise, each of lower support bars 144 can be located
approximately the same distance from main support bar 140.
[0039] An alternative embodiment of the present invention provides
a protective eyewear apparatus having no support bars (such as main
support bar 140, upper support bars 142, or lower support bars
144). Instead, this alternative embodiment has only upper bar 130,
lower bar 132, cheek base member 120, and forehead base member 122.
To provide adequate protection against the impact of a lacrosse
ball, these members can be constructed of a material sufficiently
strong enough not to deflect or deform upon impact by the ball. In
one embodiment, these members can be made of 1008 solid carbon
steel wire of a sufficient thickness or of a composite resin, such
as the composite resin bars used on the SUL200.TM. mask produced by
+POS of Schaumburg, Ill.
[0040] Another alternative embodiment of the present invention
provides a protective eyewear apparatus having only one vertical
support bar (such as the main support bar 140) connected to the
forehead base member 122, upper bar 130, lower bar 132, and cheek
base member 120, without additional support bars such as upper
support bars 142 and lower support bars 144. In this case, upper
bar 130 and lower bar 132 would have only three connections: two
connections at their ends to cheek base member 120 and one
connection at an intermediate location to the one vertical support
bar (such as the main support bar 140). To provide adequate
protection against the impact of a lacrosse ball, these members can
be constructed of a material sufficiently strong enough not to
deflect or deform upon impact by the ball. In one embodiment, these
members can be made of 1008 solid carbon steel wire of a sufficient
thickness or of a composite resin, such as the composite resin bars
used on the SUL200.TM. mask produced by +POS of Schaumburg,
Ill.
[0041] With reference to FIGS. 1A-8, in an implementation of the
present invention that meets or exceeds the ASTM standard for
women's adult and youth lacrosse (ASTM F803-03, which is herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety), the base 102 and
protective cage 104, including main support bar 140, upper support
bars 142, and lower support bars 144, are made of 3.8 mm diameter
1008 solid carbon steel wire (ASTM Standard, Section 03.05). The
wire is cut to the desired length for each member. The cut wires
are then bent and pressed into the desired shapes, such as those
shown in FIGS. 1B through 8. The shaped wires are then placed on a
welding jig and welded point by point. The welded members arc then
trimmed, polished, and coated with a polyester powder about 50 to
100 microns thick. Also according to this implementation, the
compressible layers 106 are made of a silicone foam compound and
the eyewear apparatus 100 has the dimensions set forth below.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 3, the narrowest distance 300 between the
upper and lower bars 130 and 132 is about 0.261 inches and the
widest distance 302 between the upper and lower bars 130 and 132 is
about 1.324 inches.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 2, the total horizontal distance of the
center portion 200 from the left strap member 124 to the right
strap member 124 is about 5.970 inches. The distance 202 from the
main support bar 140 to the lower most part of the upper support
bar 142 is about 2.254 inches. The distance 204 from the main
support bar 140 to the upper most point of the lower support bar
144 is about 1.903 inches. The distance 206 from the main support
bar 140 to the upper most point of the upper support bar 142 is
about 2.252 inches. The distance 208 from the main support bar 140
to the lower most point of the lower support bar 144 is about 1.276
inches.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 4, the total depth 400 from the outer most
point of the main support bar 140 to the most rearward point of the
strap member 124 is about 3.427 inches.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 6, the distance 600 from the intersection
602 of the forehead base member 122 and the main support bar 140 to
the intersection 604 of the cheek base member 120 and the main
support bar 140 is about 1.156 inches.
[0046] Finally, the overall outer dimension of the compressible
layers 106 shown in FIG. 1A can be approximately 0.55 inches, with
a thickness of about 0.28 inches covering forehead base member 122
or cheek base member 120. The outer dimension and thickness
covering the members can, of course, vary as required to provide
the desired cushioning. The position of the members within the
compressible layers 106 can also vary, for example, being
concentric in some locations and non-concentric in others.
[0047] With these materials of construction and dimensions, the
present invention provides comfortable eyewear that protects a user
from the impact of a standard lacrosse ball, in compliance with the
ASTM F803-03 standard. The configuration of the protective cage 104
also enables a wide field of vision obstructed only by one vertical
member (main support member 140) and open on both sides of the head
for unhindered peripheral vision. FIGS. 3-5 best illustrate this
unobstructed field of peripheral vision 500.
[0048] Providing further details of the construction of exemplary
eyewear apparatus 100, FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of
the frame shown in FIG. 2 along line B-B. FIG. 8 illustrates a
cross-sectional view of the frame shown in FIG. 2 along line
C-C.
[0049] In a further embodiment of the present invention,
compressible layers 106 provide gutters that divert perspiration
away from the eyes, nose, and mouth of a user. The compressible
layers 106 applied to the forehead base member 122 catch
perspiration from the user's forehead and divert it to the side of
the user's head. The compressible layers 106 applied to the cheek
base member 120 catch perspiration from the nose and beneath the
eyes of the user, and divert it to the side of the user's cheeks.
The gutters can be provided throughout the length of compressible
layers 106, or at isolated locations (e.g., at portions of the
compressible layers 106 intended to contact a user's temple).
[0050] As an example, FIG. 9A illustrates a shape of a compressible
layer 106 adapted to divert perspiration away from a user's eyes
and mouth. As shown in this cross-sectional view, compressible
layer 106 encases forehead base member 122 and includes a concave
channel 900 that collects the perspiration and a contact portion
902 that contacts the user's face. The channel 900 can be raised
toward the middle of eyewear apparatus 100 so that the perspiration
flows down toward the ends of the eyewear apparatus 100. For
example, the concave channel 900 of a gutter can slope down
starting from an area proximate the main support 140 when the
protective eyewear apparatus is worn by a user.
[0051] Compressible layers 106 can be constructed of any
compressible material that is comfortable against a player's body,
such as a foam or a thermoplastic elastomer. According to
embodiments of the present invention, compressible layers 106 are
applied to the frame of eyewear apparatus 100 by insert molding,
reaction injection molding, spray application, rotational molding,
dual extrusion, or casting. Compressible layers 106 are made of a
material that is complementary to the material of the frame, such
that the compressible layers 106 strongly bond to the frame,
preferably without the use of adhesives or other intermediate
bonding layers. Examples of suitable materials include nylon,
urethane (TPU), sanoprene, polycarbonate, alcryln (partially
crosslinked halogenated polyolefin alloy),
styrene-butadiene-styrene, styrene-ethylene-butylene styrene,
thermoplastic olefinic (TPO), thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV),
ethylene-propylene rubber (EPDM), flexible PVC, polyethylene,
polypropylene, EVA, and ABS. Compressible layers 106 could also be
formed from multiple laminated materials or fabric coverings.
[0052] If compressible layers 106 are not covered and directly
contact a user's skin, compressible layers 106 can be made of
anti-microbial silicone, to avoid skin irritations. The surface of
compressible layers 106 can also be textured to help keep the
eyewear apparatus 100 in place on the user's face when the user is
sweating. FIG. 9B illustrates an example of a textured compressible
layer 950. The depressions 952 of the textured surface hold the
sweat, allowing the raised portions 954 of the textured surface to
remain in direct contact with the skin to secure the eyewear
apparatus 100 to the user's face. Although FIG. 9B shows a grooved
textured surface, other textured surfaces can, of course, be used,
such as dimples, nubs, ridges, or protuberances.
[0053] The textured surface can also be used in combination with
gutters. For example, a textured surface can be applied to the
faces of the gutters, or the textured surface can be applied to
some portions of compressible layers 106 (e.g., in areas intended
to contact the center of user's forehead) and the gutters can be
applied to other portions (e.g., in areas intended to contact a
user's temple).
[0054] In a further embodiment of the present invention, eyewear
apparatus 100 includes a layer of performance fabric over
compressible layers 106. This performance fabric can be disposed on
the compressible layers 106 that cover the portions of eyewear
apparatus 100 that contact the user, e.g., at cheek base members
120, which contact the user's cheeks, and at forehead base member
122, which contacts the user's lower forehead. In this case, the
performance fabric, rather than the compressible layers 106,
contacts the user's skin. The performance fabric is an air
permeable material that moves moisture away from the user's skin
and dries quickly. An example of a suitable performance fabric is
Cool Max.TM. produced by INVISTA of Wichita, Kans.
[0055] Based on the features described above, the present invention
provides critical eye protection, a large field of vision, and
improved comfort. The eyewear apparatus 100 covers and protects the
lower forehead, the eyes, the nose, and the upper cheeks of the
user, and meets the ASTM F803 impact requirements. The
configuration of the frame members, especially the use of a single
vertical support bar (main support bar 140) in the field of vision,
maximizes a user's unobstructed view, straight ahead, up and down,
and side to side. The open air design of the protective cage 104
also avoids the glaring, fogging, rain beading, cracking, and
scratching problems known to occur with traditional clear plastic
lens goggles (e.g., polycarbonate goggles).
[0056] The compressible layers 106 provide a comfortable,
compliant, and close fit with a user's face. In addition, when
formed with gutters or textured surfaces, the compressible layers
106 keep perspiration away from the user's eyes, nose, and mouth to
further increase comfort. When covered with a performance fabric,
the compressible layers 106 also wick perspiration away from the
user's skin.
[0057] FIG. 10 illustrates another protective eyewear apparatus
1000, according to an alternative embodiment of the present
invention. In this alternative embodiment, eyewear apparatus 1000
provides separate eyepieces 1002 over each eye. Each eyepiece 1002
includes its own base 1004 and protective cage 1006. Base 1004 can
be generally oval in shape and define an opening. Eyepieces 1002
are joined together by a bridge member 1007, which can be soft and
flexible and made of an elastomer. An eyewear securing means 1010
attaches to each of the eyepieces 1002. Securing means 1010 could
be any well known means for securing goggles, eyeglasses, or other
eyewear apparatus to a user's face, for example, an elastic
strap.
[0058] Protective cage 1006 can include an upper and lower bar as
shown in FIG. 10, which both attach to base 1004 and span the
opening of base 1004. The upper bar and the lower bar are spaced
apart from each other and can be generally parallel and horizontal
when the eyewear apparatus 1000 is worn by a user. The upper and
lower bars can be attached by, for example, molding the base over
the bars, mechanically fastening the wires to the base (e.g., using
screws), or welding the bars to the base. In the embodiment of FIG.
10, protective cage 1006 is attached to base 1002 by both molding
and mechanical means (described further below). The upper and lower
bars can be formed from a single continuous member as shown in FIG.
10, or can be separate members.
[0059] FIG. 11 illustrates an exploded view of the right eyepiece
1002 of the protective eyewear apparatus 1000 of FIG. 10. As shown,
eyepiece 1002 includes protective cage 1006, base 1004, and a pad
1106. Protective cage 1006 can include a wire 1110 and a wire
retainer 1102. As shown, wire 1110 can be formed in a substantially
"U" shape, with the ends of wire 1110 secured by wire retainer
1102. Wire retainer 1102 can be an injection molded or overmolded
part that encloses the ends of wire 1110. Wire retainer 1102 is,
for example, molded around the ends of wire 1110 and is made of an
elastomer.
[0060] Wire 1110 provides the immediate protection over a user's
eye and prevents objects from penetrating eyewear apparatus 1000
and contacting the user's eye. As such, wire 1110 must be of a
strength sufficient to resist deformation upon impact by a standard
lacrosse ball traveling at speeds typically encountered during
play. In one embodiment, wire 1110 is 3.8 mm 1008 solid carbon
steel wire, ASTM Standard, Section 03.05. Other suitable materials
include other metals, metal alloys, composite materials, and
synthetic materials.
[0061] Base 1004 provides the structure on which protective cage
1006 is mounted. Base 1004 can be more rigid than the wire retainer
1102 of the protective cage 1006. For example, if wire retainer
1102 is a flexible elastomer, then base 1004 could be a more rigid
polycarbonate. As another example, base 1004 could be a wire
encased in a foam or elastomer. Base 1004 transfers a point force
(e.g., impact of a ball) imposed on the protective cage 1006 to a
user's bones surrounding the eye and distributes the force over a
wide surface area to minimize the chance of injury. In one
configuration, base 1004 is a clear injection molded plastic, such
as polycarbonate, and is generally oval in shape.
[0062] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, base 1004 includes a
hook 1108 around which the closed end of wire 1110 is disposed. In
this manner, hook 1108 further secures protective cage 1006 to base
1004. The hook can be disposed on a portion of the base disposed
substantially between an eye and a nose of a user when the user
wears the protective eyewear apparatus, with the wire retainer
attached to the base on a side substantially opposite to the
hook.
[0063] Base 1004 can also include at least one opening 1112 that
receives a fastener that secures bridge member 1007 to base 1004.
In one embodiment, this fastener is a mushroom shaped projection
formed in bridge member 1007 that deforms through and snaps into
the at least one opening 1112.
[0064] Pad 1106 is attached to base 1004 by, for example, an
adhesive. In one embodiment, pad 1106 is made of laminated
perforated shock absorbing foam or a compression molded foam. In
another embodiment in which base 1004 is a wire, pad 1106 can be a
compressible layer (e.g., foam or elastomer) encasing the wire.
[0065] Pad 1106 contacts the user's skin and provides form fitting
comfort. In a further embodiment, the surface of pad 1106 that
contacts the user's skin is covered with an air permeable
performance fabric that moves moisture away from the user's skin
and dries quickly. An example of a suitable performance fabric is
Cool Max.TM. produced by INVISTA of Wichita, Kans.
[0066] In an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG.
11, protective cage 1006, base 1004, and pad 1106 are further
secured by one or more fasteners disposed in openings 1122 of each
piece. Protective cage 1006, base 1004, and pad 1106 also include
aligned openings 120 that receive the securing means 1010 (FIG.
10).
[0067] Although the present invention has been discussed primarily
in the context of women's lacrosse, one of ordinary skill in the
art would appreciate that the protective eyewear apparatus of the
present invention is equally applicable to both men and women, and
to other sports and other non-sport activities. For example, the
protective eyewear apparatus of the present invention could be used
for field hockey, or for construction or manufacturing activities
in which large objects may contact a person's face. Thus,
notwithstanding the particular benefits of the present invention in
the context of women's lacrosse, the present invention should be
understood to be broadly applicable to any situation in which eye
protection is needed.
[0068] The foregoing disclosure of the preferred embodiments of the
present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration
and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many variations and
modifications of the embodiments described herein will be apparent
to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the above
disclosure. The scope of the invention is to be defined only by the
claims, and by their equivalents.
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